I’ve been thinking a lot about trauma recently.
As we reach the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, we can see now the effect and damage that the war is having on the country and its people, not just on a macro level, but on the single, granular level felt by each person.
Trauma can manifest both collectively and individually, and how we respond to that trauma comes in how we can identify and treat it to avoid it getting worse. When our body fails to register its ‘fight or flight’ reflex, trauma can set in and activate symptoms such as anxiety, sweats, that lump in your throat, or even OCD.
Personally, I found the days after October 7 incredibly traumatic: not only in the sense of the physical safety for myself and my loved ones, but also by seeing the response in the West to Israel’s reaction, the explosion of antisemitism that followed, and the disassociation between Israel and its allies. We felt alone.
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Gina Ross, a trauma specialist, author, and founder and president of The International Trauma Healing Institute. Her new book, October 7: A Call to Action for Israel, Jews, and the World, explores how the Hamas attacks were not just a national tragedy, but also a turning point for Israel, the Jewish people, and the broader world. Drawing on her expertise in trauma, Gina frames antisemitism and radical violence as cycles of unhealed collective trauma—and argues that October 7 offers a chance for healing, unity, and moral clarity.
In this conversation, we talk about what redemption looks like in practice, the transformations she believes are necessary for Israel and its allies, and how ordinary people can play a role in answering this call to action.
Some key takeaways:
How trauma can manifest both collectively and individually.
Healing trauma is essential for peace.
The October 7 attack highlighted unresolved issues.
Collective trauma can repeat across generations.
Understanding trauma helps in addressing violence.
Israel’s military strength contrasts with its historical vulnerability.
Awareness of antisemitism is crucial in today’s context.
You can order a copy of Gina’s book, October 7: A Call to Action for Israel, Jews, and the World, here: https://www.amazon.com/October-Action-Opportunity-Redemption-Century/dp/1956381899
If you or someone you know is suffering from trauma, you can watch Gina’s free 10-minute EmotionAid video, teaching how to release stress and trauma on the spot quickly. Follow the link here: https://emotionaid.tabs.design
